David McGukin

James David McGukin, 74, of Bremen, Georgia, passed away on March 23, 2026. Mr. McGukin was born in Carroll County, Georgia, on October 24, 1951. He was the son of James Olin McGukin and Anna Louise (Baxter) McGukin. His father, a World War II veteran, worked for the U.S. Postal Service, and his mother was the long-time owner of Lou’s Florist in Bremen. David grew up in Bremen, across from his grandparents’ dairy farm on Baxter Road.

Pursuing his lifelong passion for music, David earned a bachelor’s degree in Music Performance from Lipscomb University, a master’s degree from the University of West Georgia, and completed doctoral coursework at Florida State University.

David met his wife, Ardoth “Ardie” Eley, while attending Alabama Christian College, and they were married in 1971. Together, David and Ardie welcomed two daughters, Anna and Ada.

Throughout his life, David shared his musical gifts as a music teacher, directing plays and musicals, leading songs in church worship, and as a devoted participant of Sacred Harp Singings across the country.

A lifelong learner and a true renaissance man, David developed talents and skills across many disciplines, including: cooking and baking; painting, sculpting, and pottery; sewing, knitting, and crochet; storytelling and writing, including self-publishing a novel in 2018. He also worked professionally as a florist, landscape architect, and interior designer.

David deeply loved God’s creation and surrounded his home with gardens and a variety of beautiful flowers, shrubs, rocks, and trees—many of which were his beloved Japanese Maples. Among his most cherished pastimes was sitting on his porch amongst his gardens and trees, sharing stories with family and friends.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Bonnie Jean Headrick (Gary).

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Ardoth Leota McGukin; daughters, Anna Victoria Hamilton (Gray) and Ada Marie Dritsas; and grandchildren, William James Hamilton, Stella Beatrice Dritsas, Anna Finley Hamilton, John David Dritsas, and a number of other relatives.

The family is hosting a celebration of David's life at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the home.

Hutcheson's Memorial Chapel & Crematory of Buchanan is honored to serve the McGukin family.